Seoul, August 22, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Samsung Electronics expects to return between 90 trillion won and 110 trillion won ($65 billion-$80 billion) to shareholders in 2026, in what would be the largest shareholder-return programme by a South Korean company.
The company announced the plan after a board meeting on Friday, saying the estimated return would be about five times its previous record of 20.3 trillion won set in 2020. Samsung said the programme is part of its three-year policy of returning 50 per cent of free cash flow to shareholders.
Samsung plans to distribute about 30 trillion won in cash dividends during the third quarter, including regular dividends, with the specific details to be finalised at a board meeting in October. The remaining shareholder returns, which may include dividends and share buybacks or cancellations, will be determined in January 2027 after the company’s 2026 financial results are confirmed.
Including the planned 2026 returns, Samsung expects total shareholder returns for the 2024-26 period to reach between 120 trillion won and 140 trillion won. The company paid 19.6 trillion won in regular dividends during 2024 and 2025, along with a 1.3 trillion-won special dividend in 2025 and 8.4 trillion won in share buybacks and cancellations.
The board also approved a share buyback worth about 15 trillion won to fund employee compensation, a move Samsung said is also expected to contribute to shareholder value.
Samsung’s announcement follows strong performance in its semiconductor business amid robust demand linked to artificial intelligence. In the second quarter of 2026, the company reported record quarterly revenue of 171.5 trillion won and operating profit of 89.5 trillion won, with its semiconductor division accounting for 89.2 trillion won of operating profit.
The company’s shares have also benefited from expectations of stronger shareholder returns. Samsung Electronics surged 9.49 per cent on Thursday as Seoul stocks rallied on improved sentiment towards major chipmakers.
The announcement comes after rival SK hynix unveiled a 40 trillion-won share buyback plan as the global AI boom continues to drive demand for advanced memory chips.
FOLLOW NOW
